How to Sound Like a Native Spanish Speaker: Using “Muletillas”

How to Sound More Like a Native Spanish Speaker (for Beginners)

Lisa-Joy learned to speak Spanish when she was 16 years old, and people were often impressed with her fluency. She seemed to be learning the language very quickly.

In this article, we’re going to share the trick she was using at this time. It’s actually super simple. These days, it’s a pretty common technique in language-learning circles. It’s a great trick to use, whether you’re at a beginner or intermediate level in Spanish.

You can also use it in just about any other language!

Technique for Speaking Spanish Fluently

This technique consists of learning and using certain words (and sounds) that native speakers use all the time. In Spanish these words are called “muletillas.”

“Muletillas“… What are they, and what does this word mean? You probably know what crutches are – the Spanish word for them is “muletas.” The suffix “-illa” is used to form a diminutive, so in essence, these words are called “little crutches.” Just like someone who has broken their leg, we use muletillas as a support when speaking.

Formally, they are called “marcadores discursivos” (discourse markers).

They are used in many contexts and serve many different purposes. For example, you can use them to give yourself a little bit of time to think about what you’d like to say:

• “ehhh…” (“uh…”)
• “pues…” (“well…”)
• “esto…” (“it’s just…”)

To draw someone’s attention or to emphasize something:

• “¿verdad?” (“really?”)
• “¿no es cierto?” (“right?”/”isn’t it so”?)
• “¿eh?” (“huh?”)

To show disagreement:

• “¿pues qué quieres que te diga?!” (“What do you want me to say?!”)

Or to conclude:

• “pues na’ ” (=”pues nada“) (“so”)

Some say that using crutch words is a bad habit for language learners to get into because these words don’t necessarily contribute important information. But whether or not you choose to use them really depends upon your goals and the contexts in which you’re speaking.

10 Beginner Spanish “Crutch Words”

Bueno (good / well)

This is #1! We use it all the time to start a sentence or to draw someone’s attention:
“Bueno, cariño…” (Well, dear…)

We can also use this crutch word in the middle of a sentence as if we’re correcting ourselves. For example:
“He llegado a las cinco, bueno, a las cinco pasadas.” (I arrived at five o’clock, well, a few minutes after five.)

Pues (Well…)

This word can give you a few extra seconds to think about what you’re going to say next:

“Pues… ¡No lo sé, la verdad!” (Well… I don’t know, to tell the truth!)

Es que (It’s just that…)

This phrase often introduces an explanation, a motive, or an excuse.

“Es que, no me apetece salir.” (It’s just that I don’t want to go out.)

A ver (You see…)

This word is used to clarify information. For example:

“A ver, sí que hace tiempo que no salimos.” (You see, we haven’t gone out together in a long time.)

This crutch word is often paired with the verb “vamos” (to go): “Vamos a ver…” (Let’s see…). An explanation or an argument often follows this phrase.

Mira (Look)

This word is used to start a sentence, often an explanation:

“Mira, que no me apetece, ¡y ya está!” (Look, I don’t want to. That’s all!)

Ya sabes (You know)

This is a way for us to make sure the person we’re talking to is listening. It can also be used to provide clarification. For example:

“A mí me encanta la tortilla española, ya sabes, la de patatas.” (I love Spanish tortilla, you know, the one with the potatoes.)

En plan (Like)

This word is simply used to add additional information.

“Llegaré tarde, en plan, a las 7 o algo así.” (I’ll get there late, like around 7pm.)

Hombre (litt. Man / Hey)

This crutch word is a little more interesting because it’s invariable in both gender and number. For example, a father could say to his sons and daughters:

“¡Hombre! ¡Parad de pelear ya!” (Hey! Stop fighting!)

This means that you can use the word “hombre” to address a group of multiple people, just the same as you can use it when speaking to a woman or a girl.

“¡Hombre, María!” (Hey, María!)

Similarly, the words “tío,” “tía,” and “mujer” (“uncle,” “aunt,” and “woman”) are also crutch words that can be used in the correct contexts. However, these must agree in number and gender. Each of these words serves to grab someone’s attention:

“¡Tío, pero mira por dónde andas!” (Hey, man! Watch where you’re going!”)

Y tal (And all)

This one is used to finish incomplete sentences.

“¿Eh, profesora, el trabajo de informática puede ser de cualquier tema y tal, no?” (Hey, professor, the computer assignment, it can be about any subject and all, right?)

O sea (I mean)

This is probably one of the crutch words that Spanish speakers use the most often. You can use it to clarify information or repeat an idea using different words. For example:

“Del grupo, iremos Irene, Luís, Santiago, yo, o sea, todos menos Flavio.”
(From the group, Irene, Luís, Santiago, and I will go, I mean, everyone but Flavio.)

VIDEO: How to Sound Like A Native Spanish Speaker

In the video below, you can learn more about this technique and Lisa-Joy’s tips. You can also learn how to pronounce each of the words mentioned in our list above! The video (also on YouTube) is in Spanish, but subtitles are available in Spanish, English, and several other languages. Just click on the settings gear at the bottom right corner to turn them on.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Next Steps

And if you want to learn even more Spanish expressions, you can have a look at the following articles:

• 10 Essential Spanish Slang Expressions
• 10 Everyday Spanish Phrases for Beginners
• Common Spanish Mistakes That Make You Look Like an Amateur